Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

Discontinued in an abroad university

I did my Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering in a university abroad (Europe) where I could not manage things properly and I messed up in academics. I was very interested in playing football and I played a lot of football there which eventually got me in a tight spot in handling time management. Then I realised football is not my career and since it would take a longer time for me to complete the degree, I returned home(after 3 years) and I am currently doing a degree in B.E Mechanical in a moderate university in my home town (India) which I'm about to complete. After this, I'm going to do my passion and take up an MBA. I want to know how can I answer interviewers questions when he asks me what happened in these three years and whether I should write about these 3 years of my abroad university in my CV.

5
1.9k
8
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
on Oct 29, 2019
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Anonymous,

you should avoid to have gaps in your CV, thus unless you can cover the time abroad with something else (eg if you played football full time), you should include your university abroad.

In terms of the answers to the recruiter, you should identify stories showing achievements in those three years – the experience with football could be useful so far that it led to results that show teamwork, drive or leadership.

Best,
Francesco

on Oct 29, 2019
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi,

yes, you should write it. I would also talk about your strong effort in football: sport is considered a serious profession by companies and universities if played full time at a considerable level.

Best,

Antonello

Vlad
Coach
on Oct 29, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

You should write of course. If you want to pursue an MBA - you need some work experience prior to that. Thus everyone will look at your MBA and work experience, not undergrad

Best

Deniz
Coach
on Oct 31, 2019
5+ Years at BCG & Kearney Dubai & Istanbul | 600+ Trainees | 900K+ YouTube Views

Hi,

You should still mention the university on your CV in order to avoid gaps, however you don't need to mention the GPA. You can tell the interviewers the same story during the interviews, if they ask why it took you longer to complete your degree.

Best,

Deniz

Gaurav
Coach
on Nov 18, 2020
#1 MBB Coach(Placed 750+ in MBBs & 1250+ in Tier2)| The Only 360° coach(Ex-McKinsey+Certified Coach+Active recruiter)

Hi there,

You definitely should write that you studied at the university and played football in a team. Don't forget to strengthen CV with serious achivements (what you've got from the university and from playing footbal). 

Do you need any further help?

All the best,

GB

Similar Questions
Consulting
CV as one pager - leave out high school?
on Jun 06, 2024
Global
10
2.6k
Top answer by
Ex-McKinsey |5y consulting experience | Specialization in Psychology | Proven holistic mentor
52
10 Answers
2.6k Views
+7
Consulting
How long should a CV be and should all the grades be included and tests like the gmat?
on Jul 01, 2024
Global
5
2.2k
Top answer by
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
50
5 Answers
2.2k Views
+2
Consulting
How can I improve my CV when I feel like I don’t have much to show?
on May 05, 2025
Global
7
200+
Top answer by
1st session -50% | Ex-McKinsey| Offical McKinsey Case Coach | +250 coaching sessions
14
7 Answers
200+ Views
+4
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely
Thanks for your feedback! Your opinion helps us make PrepLounge even better.